The Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) has today clarified its position regarding a recent article on its official website, which suggested that students “live in parallel universes.” The Church stated that the views expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not represent the stance of Patriarch Porfirije.

The article titled “Parallel Universe or the Contribution of Student Protests to Modern Science” was published yesterday on the SPC’s website and disseminated to the media by the SPC Information Service. It was authored by an official of the Serbian Patriarchate, Dušan Stokanović.

The Church emphasized that its official platform hosts a variety of authored texts and public stances concerning theological and societal matters.

“In the hope that this clarification will put an end to unfounded insults, threats, and attacks on the Patriarch, we wish to remind the public that the aforementioned article is the author’s response to the screening of a recorded play at three faculties in Belgrade that were under blockade, as well as the cancellation of the St. Sava Academy at Matica Srpska,” the statement noted.

According to the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Porfirije, who is both a university professor and a spiritual leader, communicates directly with students rather than via statements, showing utmost respect for their intelligence and intentions.

“All public statements and messages from His Holiness regarding the current situation are fully available to the public and do not justify hate speech or misinterpretations of his views,” the statement concluded.

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